Babe in Boyland by Jody Gehrman

When high school junior Natalie - or Dr. Aphrodite, as she calls herself when writing the relationship column for her school paper - is accused of knowing nothing about guys and giving girls bad relationship advice, she decides to investigate what guys really think and want. But the guys in her class won't give her straight or serious answers. The only solution? Disguising herself as a guy and spending a week at Underwood Academy, the private all-boy boarding school in town. There she learns a lot about guys and girls in ways she never expected - especially when she falls for her dreamy roommate, Emilio. How can she show him she likes him without blowing her cover? --Goodreads

Babe in Boyland is the thing I needed to get out of my reading lull. I’ve been “too busy” to read books, or at least that was my excuse, until I could find the right one. I’ve found it. Babe in Boyland was not only great; it was hilarious. I loved every minute of it.

Natalie is one of those characters that you love right in the beginning; she speaks her opening lines and right there, you’re hooked. I felt like I knew her and that we were already best friends. She made me laugh with her crazy philosophy of changing her character every seven years and made me cry when she had to go on a date with Erica.

Who knew becoming a boy could be so much fun? With her two best friends, Darcy and Chloe, they transformed her into an almost attractive guy. Loved Natalie’s determination, I don’t think I would have the guts to cut my hair for an acting job, no matter how large. It took tremendous guts and I definitely commend her.

Natalie’s second-half, Nat, was almost believable. He was awkward and crazy and she seemed to pull off her facade. I hated Summer, by the way—I wanted to punch her in the face (and I’m not even a violent person). Emilio, Nat’s roommate, reminded me a bit of Alex from Perfect Chemistry. He was Latino, sexy, and a bit quiet. Every time I learned something new about him, I would smile. He was just one of those characters that I wanted to know everything about.

Jody Gehrman had a lovely voice. She brought Natalie to life in such a way that made me believe I went to Underwood, the academy that Nat went to, as well. I wish there was a sequel. I would love to hear how Natalie’s column is going, what Emilio is up to, and if Erica ever got over her kissing a girl.

If you haven’t read this book yet, you need to pick it up right now. It is an adorable, hilarious read that is meant for your bookshelf. If you’re hesitant about picking it up, here’s a reason, you shouldn’t be: I know a lot of people didn’t like it, said it wasn’t original, so on and so forth. I’ve read many reviews about this great book. Sure, it did have a few similarities to other works I know, like Shakespeare’s As You Like It and She’s The Man, but this time you are in the mind of Natalie, a girl who wants to figure out the other sex and does so by enrolling into Underwood and dressing as a man. This point of view hasn’t been heard before; it’s definitely unique. So whatever you’ve heard from other people, this book is fantastic and if you’re not reading it, you’re missing out.

This is a fast, entertaining and often very funny read. I love the heroine's sharp, snarky voice and, in general Natalie is an engaging heroine with a lot of spunk. There is a terrific romantic interest who is very sympathetic.

I'm Jeanna!

I love books, coffee, cute planners, blogging, and everything in between. I don't want you to miss out on the fantastic books out there, which is why I talk about books and write reviews. My reviews may include lame jokes and a side of sass, that make you feel like you are sitting down with an good, old friend for coffee. So grab a seat and let's get chatting.